 Diet
another day
<< continued from page 2
The others
We have summarised the main points of some of the other
popular diets on the market!
The Blood Group diet
Spill the beans!
This is probably one of the wackier diets we have featured. The theory
is your blood type determines what foods you should and should not eat.
If you eat the right ones, you will lose weight and improve digestion.
If you don't - the reverse situation is true! Each of the four blood groups
has a detailed list of foods that should be avoided on the basis that
each type has its own particular antigen marker that can react negatively
with certain foods. The plan also suggests that individuals have different
levels of stomach acidity and digestive enzymes depending on their blood
type. Martine McCutcheon is a famous follower of this diet.
Yum or yuk?
If you like to be told exactly what and what not to eat on a diet, when
to eat it and the amount then you will be happy with this plan. It can
be difficult because it is so restrictive and would be hard for family
members to follow if there are many different blood types in one house!
Nutritionally, it may cause deficiencies by cutting out important food
items.
Food combining
Spill the beans!
Liz Hurley is a fan of this diet which was originally pioneered to help
patients with digestive problems. The idea is that weight loss happens
quite easily if you separate certain foods and eat them in the right combination.
Proteins should never be mixed with carbohydrates as they require different
digestive juices to break them down (thus the emphasis on helping the
digestive system). Seventy per cent of the recommended foods are fruits
and vegetables while the remaining 30 per cent include one or two servings
of starch (eg rice or pasta) and small amounts of animal protein. Alcohol
is allowed in moderation.
Yum or yuk?
The plan finds favour with some nutritionists because it naturally incorporates
high levels of fruits and vegetables and many people find they lose weight
quickly because of the restrictions of the combinations of foods. However,
some experts say that this eating plan can be deficient in nutrients such
as calcium, zinc and vitamins D and B12. The theory behind food combining
in itself is controversial - it can be argued that combining foods can
help with absorption of nutrients but on the other hand drinking orange
juice with steak (not allowed on the plan) helps increase iron absorption.
It might be family-friendly but you need to be aware of any nutrients
your children might be missing out on, especially calcium.
Zone Diet
Spill the beans!
The Zone Diet works by giving a person a detailed meal plan based on
their gender, activity level and current percentage of body fat. Forty
per cent of its calories are meant to come from carbohydrates, 30% from
protein and 30% from fat. Every meal must follow this ratio of 40-30-30
for the body to work within its peak performance 'zone' for maximum energy
and weight loss.
Yum or yuk?
Weight loss will come from the very low calorie intake of this diet,
while you can enjoy foods such as steak and roast beef. To help you, meal
plans have been written to keep you in your 'zone'. However, you may find
your energy levels sagging because of the low carb levels (UK guidelines
say the ratio should be 50-35-15 instead). The diet is low in fibre and
some vitamins and minerals because of the enormous reduction in pasta,
potatoes and bread. Trying to understand and follow the plan can be daunting
especially if you have a family to feed.
Where to next?
<< back to main page
| 
